Get InvolvedSince the first construction and camps in 1945, volunteers have played a key part in the ministry of Camp Magruder. Now we are expanding our volunteer opportunities to include all aspects of camp operations, year-round.
To become a Volunteer, Click here to fill out a Volunteer Application and for a Health History Form, Click here and then mail to camp. |
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General Requirements to become a VolunteerAll volunteers at Camp Magruder must complete a volunteer application/disclosure form and provide references. Volunteer staff must be able to serve the mission of Camp & Retreat Ministry of the Oregon-Idaho Conference of the United Methodist Church. Community life embraces all of God’s people and is strengthened by diversity of faith, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and age.Volunteer staff must be in good physical health. Most operations staff jobs involve standing for extended periods of time, bending, lifting and carrying; most program staff jobs require keeping up with energetic kids for a week.
Volunteer program staff must be 18 or older, or have completed the Counselor-In-Training program, and are expected to attend all planning meetings, pre-camp trainings, and serve the length of the camp event with 24hr/day supervision duties for camp counselors. Volunteer operations staff must be 18 or older, unless volunteering with a supervising adult. Volunteer operations staff work a minimum of 4 hours per day and a maximum of 8 hours per day, receive an orientation and training for their assigned tasks by Magruder staff, and receive meals and/or lodging free of charge according to the following general guidelines: lodging (or RV space) & 3 meals for 8 hours volunteer service (lodging/4 hours; meals/1 hour, 20 minutes each approximately). Staff working more than 6 days will be entitled to one day off per week. Additional days off may be arranged with the Director. |
Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis once your application and health form have been received and reference checks have been completed. Volunteer staff will be matched with tasks complimentary to the volunteer's skills/interests and the camp's needs. A Magruder staff person will contact you by phone or e-mail to discuss possible dates and job assignments for your volunteer service. Contact the Office if you have not heard from us after a week to ensure that your application has been received.
Summer Camp Counselor & Camp Program Staff VolunteersOur United Methodist program camps utilize volunteers as event deans, camp pastors, craft teachers, music leaders, cabin counselors, listeners, and health care providers. This is a great opportunity to be in ministry. You can make the difference in the life of a child. Please contact the Program Services Director for more information.
How to Become a Volunteer Counselor or Program Staff
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Camp Counselor Responsibilities
As a counselor, you will be responsible for a group of 4-7 campers. This means being a part of group living, camp chores, informal devotional encounters, and deepening experiences of fellowship. The counselor and campers together turn the events of everyday living into meaningful Christian community. |
FAQ's about Counseling:
Is training available?
Camp Magruder provides an annual On-site Leadership Training event where you get acquainted with people and facilities and attend training workshops. In addition, camp staff will also meet at least once for program planning and training with their dean. Participation is also expected at the pre-camp staff time the day before your campers arrive.
Does a counselor/program staff have to be a member of the United Methodist Church?
Some connection to the United Methodist Church is helpful, but not required. Certainly you must be in tune with our core process of helping people grow, reaching out to all people beginning or deepening relationships with God, and sending people forth in mission of love and justice ministries.
What talents and skills are required?
It is helpful if counselors can lead in areas of handicrafts, music, Bible stories, recreation, nature study, and camp crafts; but the primary prerequisite is a willingness to share God's love with children and youth.
Am I too old to for camp?
Young, middle aged, and senior adults are all helpful as counselors or listeners. Our children and youth need the wisdom that comes with maturity, as well as the enthusiasm of younger adults. Our deans seek to pair counselors with complimentary skills and energy levels.
Am I too young for camp?
Counselors for elementary camps are required to be at least 16 years of age. Middle school counselors must be 17 or older, and senior high counselors must be at least 21 years old. We strongly recommend anyone hoping to be a counselor to complete our counselor training retreat. Completion of the training makes recruitment chances much higher, especially for younger counselors. Contact Camp Magruder for more information about Counselor training.
What is provided by the camp?
Each camp provides counselors with food, a place to sleep, appropriate training, and great new friends to work with. Counselors provide their own towels, toiletries, sleeping bags or bedding. The camping program pays for your lodging and food.
Camp Magruder provides an annual On-site Leadership Training event where you get acquainted with people and facilities and attend training workshops. In addition, camp staff will also meet at least once for program planning and training with their dean. Participation is also expected at the pre-camp staff time the day before your campers arrive.
Does a counselor/program staff have to be a member of the United Methodist Church?
Some connection to the United Methodist Church is helpful, but not required. Certainly you must be in tune with our core process of helping people grow, reaching out to all people beginning or deepening relationships with God, and sending people forth in mission of love and justice ministries.
What talents and skills are required?
It is helpful if counselors can lead in areas of handicrafts, music, Bible stories, recreation, nature study, and camp crafts; but the primary prerequisite is a willingness to share God's love with children and youth.
Am I too old to for camp?
Young, middle aged, and senior adults are all helpful as counselors or listeners. Our children and youth need the wisdom that comes with maturity, as well as the enthusiasm of younger adults. Our deans seek to pair counselors with complimentary skills and energy levels.
Am I too young for camp?
Counselors for elementary camps are required to be at least 16 years of age. Middle school counselors must be 17 or older, and senior high counselors must be at least 21 years old. We strongly recommend anyone hoping to be a counselor to complete our counselor training retreat. Completion of the training makes recruitment chances much higher, especially for younger counselors. Contact Camp Magruder for more information about Counselor training.
What is provided by the camp?
Each camp provides counselors with food, a place to sleep, appropriate training, and great new friends to work with. Counselors provide their own towels, toiletries, sleeping bags or bedding. The camping program pays for your lodging and food.